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"My Heart Smiles When Children Take Responsibility for Their Education"
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By Cynthia Russell
Assistant Principal
Gibson Elementary
JULY 22, 2021 – Cynthia Russell, who is the assistant principal at Gibson Elementary, serves at the site supervisor for the school’s R.I.S.E. (Reaching Incredible Success Everyday) summer program.
“I love working in the summer to help scholars continue to build academic capacity,” Russell said.
“This is a safe space for them in the summer and we make learning fun. In addition to the academic courses, we were able to offer fun specials. We have STEM, art, Tam-Tam drumming, music and PE.”
“We have incorporated Spirit Week, and we also like to give them treats for their hard work. The scholars are really enjoying their time here.”
“It also gives us a chance to love on more scholars and we develop additional adult friendships. I have the best group of teachers working here that really care about scholars and their success. My admin team is my ROCK. I wouldn’t be able to survive without them. They are the best!!”
“The administration team consists of Shanelle Spady as the Instructional Facilitator, Martizabel Perez as the Data Manager, and Glenda Wilson as the Right Hand. We also have Fabienne Quick (Social Worker) and Sanjana Saini (Cares Team) as support.”
Thoughts from students:
“I thought summer school was boring, but it’s not. It’s kinda fun when you are around funny teachers.”
“I love the R.I.S.E. summer school because I love my teacher’s and we get to do fun things.”
“I like the R.I.S.E. summer program because I get to make new friends!”
“I like reading Bud Not Buddy. I also like learning about rocks.”
“I like the R.I.S.E. program because I am learning stuff I didn’t know before I came here. I don’t want to leave summer school.”
“I like summer school because you get to learn stuff you didn’t learn in school.”
“I am loving the stuff we are learning in science with minerals. I also liked what we learned with prefixes.”
“Summer school is a really nice caring place.”
“I like PE, science, and math.”
“I like technology.”
“I like reading in the R.I.S.E. program.”
Thoughts from teachers:
“I like the R.I.S.E. program because I get to meet new students. I love that they are eager to learn new things. I feel the passion of the students. They really wanted to be here, and they participated with ease. My class was able to complete their Ecosystem projects. I was overwhelmed by their efforts. My heart smiles when children take responsibility for their education.”
“I love these students. These are the best group of kids I’ve had!”
“I’ve never seen a group of teachers that are so compassionate and caring about students.”